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Dutchess County residents can now apply for free PFAS testing as part of a new pilot program announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The program, called the New York State Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program, aims to address the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in private wells.
Residents of Dutchess and Putnam counties are currently eligible to apply, with the program expanding to Orange, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester counties in the coming months. The initiative allows homeowners who rely on private wells to receive free testing for PFAS, which are human-made chemicals linked to health risks such as cancer and liver damage.
If PFAS levels are found to be at or above New York State's drinking water standard of 10 parts per trillion, participants can apply for rebates. These rebates include up to $5,000 for a PFAS water treatment system or up to $10,000 to connect to a public water supply.
Governor Hochul emphasized the state's commitment to tackling emerging contaminants in drinking water, stating, "As we continue to learn more about the adverse health effects of PFAS, New York State is taking unprecedented steps to protect our communities."
The program is part of broader efforts to address PFAS contamination in drinking water, with the state allocating $1.5 million per county for the pilot project. The New York State Department of Health, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Environmental Facilities Corporation, is leading the initiative.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino encouraged residents to "take advantage of this opportunity" to protect their families from potential risks posed by "forever chemicals."
For more information on eligibility and application details, residents can visit the New York State Department of Health's website.